Archer Commences Test Flights for Midnight Aircraft in Abu Dhabi
Initial flight supports UAE-specific certification and deployment plans
Archer has completed its first test flight of the Midnight aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi, on 2 July 2025.
The flight was conducted with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and attended by senior officials from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports.
According to Archer, the test focused on VTOL performance under UAE-specific conditions including temperature, humidity and dust exposure.
“Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, we are enabling companies like Archer to test, certify and scale next-generation air mobility solutions, reinforcing our position as a global launchpad for innovation and a hub for transformative technologies,” stated H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO.
CEO and Founder of Archer Aviation, said Adam Goldstein, added: “As we prepare for our commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi […] testing our aircraft in actual operating conditions in the middle of summer provides us with the data we need to progress our commercial and certification efforts both in the UAE and in the U.S.”
Archer added that it will expand flight testing in the region to support certification and commercialisation efforts in the UAE and other key markets.